Idols

1Corinthians 10:27-33 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and you be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 

‘If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and you be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.’ If any man invites you to a common meal, you are free to go. If it is an idol festival you cannot go (10:18-28; 8:4-13), make sure however not to eat with those clearly stated in 1Corinthians 5:11-13.

‘But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake.’ You are free to eat the meat at the table unless you are informed that it is a sacrifice to idols. In this case, you have to refrain for the sake of the one who invited you (10:28-29). You are to let it be known that you have no part as a Christian with any traffic with idols and demons (10:20-22).

‘For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks.’ It would still be lawful for you to eat of meat sacrificed to idols, as an idol is nothing, but if it is so sacrificed then it must be recognized that it is in honour of devils and for this reason you have to refuse to partake (10:20-22). You would be a stumbling block to a weak brother or a heathen who perhaps knows the stand of Christianity on the question. We must be true to our religion and convictions.

‘Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.’ Ten rules of Christian diplomacy: Eat for the glory of God without being glutinous (10:31). Drink for the glory of God (not implying the drinking of alcohol). Do all things for God’s glory. Give no offense to Jews (10:32). Give no offense to Gentiles. Give no offense to brethren (Christians). Seek to please all people in God (10:33). Seek to please people in all things in God. Do not seek personal profit, but seek the profit of others (10:33; 9:19-23). Above all, do all things with the view setting the correct example for the sake of redemption of the lost souls of people (10:33).